Have you ever rescued a dog and if so, what challenges did you face and overcome with your furry friend?
So I heard that a friend of a friend was forced to surrender her puppy to the local shelter. I went the next day to adopt him. Well, turns out “Bandit” had been surrendered to a different shelter where he was put in a foster home-so Bandit ended up with a happy ending. But at the shelter I went to, the director told me about “Flash.” Flash had originally come in on a charge of vagrancy. He was adopted, but those folks brought him back. His second offence was “separation anxiety.” LSS: He’d been there for 7 months. I told the director he was going home with me, but I didn’t have the bail money with me. Since he’d already been adopted once, the director said his fine had been paid and, if I wanted, he could go home with me right now.So that’s how I ended up with Merle.Issues? Yeah, we’ve had a few. Merle is very mouthy. When I first tried to pet him, I thought he was trying to bite me. It took some time for me to realize he was just trying to pull my hand closer. He’s never bitten out of anger, more of a playful tug. Merle does have separation anxiety, but who wouldn’t? Imagine being 24 years old and having spent the last 7 years in a cell. And Merle also has tried unsuccessfully to claim dominance over Waylon. After getting Merle fixed, that calmed down some. But he still tries now and then.Merle is very hyper and wants to be with me 24/7. He will escape from the gate when I need to go somewhere and I cannot catch him top put him back. If he gets in the truck, he knows I’ll take him. But if I don’t, he’ll chase my truck down the road-often running in front of the truck. He gives up after about 400–800 meters (1/4 to 1/2 mile) and will wait for my return. But it scares me.Most of our overcoming difficulties has involved me accepting him the way he is. Dogs give unconditional love and I try to return the favor. He comes when he’s called and waits for Waylon and Gretchen to finish eating before approaching the bowl. He is a pain in the ass, but I love him just the way he is.
Will male dogs stop coming after my female once she's bred?
They'll wait for her to go back into heat. If she's pregnant, she won't be in heat anymore until after she gives birth. Once the pups are weaned, she'll be in heat. Have her spayed if you want to keep male dogs away from her.
What are so good Male dog names?
Chance Lucky Elwood Smack (my favorite) Rascal Trouble Goober Buddy Slim Jack Red Murphy
In your opinion, are cats or dogs better? Why?
It really depends on your lifestyle, what you value in a pet, your time commitment, etc.... Some people decide to get both. Here are some things to think about. (I'm not a big cat person, so I may have some cat facts wrong).Advantages of Dogs:Dogs are always happy to see you. They yearn for your affection, will follow you around the house, and will come when called. They are loyal and really enjoy your company.Dogs are more trainable. Teaching them to do tricks is fun, although it does take some time investment.Dogs are great activity partners. You can take them running, hiking, and walking in off-leash areas (some beaches and parks allow your dog to roam free). It's awesome having a running partner who's ready to go whenever you are.Dogs can be hypoallergenic. If you have allergies, you can find breeds of dogs that don't shed. Cats like to clean themselves a lot, and the saliva dries up and turns into allergy-inducing dander.Dogs are good alarm systems. I feel safer knowing our dogs will alert us if there are intruders, especially the evil possums and squirrels. I think I read a study somewhere that said neighborhoods with dogs have a lower chance of break-ins.Puppies are cute.Advantages of Cats:Cats are lower maintenance. You don't need to take them on walks or runs to keep them happy and healthy. You can also leave town for a weekend, and the cat will feed, water, and clean up after itself. You'll need to board the dog if you're going anywhere.Cats don't require training. If you don't have time to teach your dog good behavior, you're going to have a tough time with bad behavior. Cats, on the other hand, naturally do the right thing (in general). Also, cats aren't really trainable, so it's a moot point.Cats don't smell bad. Most dogs do (not our labradoodles -- they usually smell like teddy bears).Cats don't need a yard. Having a yard and doggy door is more convenient for dog owners. Cats are good to go with their litter boxes.Cats don't bark. They do, however, have a wretched meow when they're in heat.Kittens are cute.
What is a dog's ideal life?
I believe a dog's ideal life is one where they live out their purpose: Serving and loving their “pack” unconditionally.Their environments should be tailored to suite you. Of course you care for them, love them. But A dog is made to be for you, not the other way around. Indeed, certain breeds need different kinds of care and bigger or smaller runs, more or less exercise ect. But that comes with learning about your canine buddy!Another thing I would add: A dog needs a job. Not like a work job (although there have been times where I wish my puper would pay his own bills :P) But some physical duty. For my guy its vermin extermination. He is a rat terrier and rat hunting is his groove. I’ve known breeders of Brittney spaniel's to never sell their pups to anyone who is not a duck hunter. The Job could be a running companion, guard dog, livestock herding, or even something as humorous and getting a beverage out of the fridge! I can tell you that dog lives with glorious perpose! Teach your pup to do a job that suits their breed and your lifestyle!And train, train, train. A bored dog is one that gets into trouble. Spend time with him. Read, find stuff to work with him/her on. You can never quit training. Try tricks, even if they aren't exactly what you want praise then for their effort.Little Disclaimer here, dogs aren't cookie cut based on breed. Every dog is different! Some dogs are more apt to want to be alpha than others. This is where I say get different opinions. Every dog owner has their own training style. Learn and decide what's best for you. Trial and error, the dog will forgive you :pSee this guy?His name is Remy. He has been my Best friend since the day I got him. Since day one he has been there to make me happy. Everyday he sits next to me and gives me that look. He has a purpose: it’s to love his master! Him and I have been through everything together. Good days and bad days. I’ve done all his training. 2yrs of 4-H (showmanship, agility, obedience) and 4yrs of home obedience. He is not perfect, and he knows I certainly am not either! But he is the greatest Dog I have ever had and I wouldn't ask for another!(Remy is a 6yr old male Rat terrier/border collie mix that I rescued for a shelter in tucson AZ at 3mo.)That's my experience at least.
What made you choose that specific dog or cat at the animal shelter? Did you already have a breed in mind or did you feel something when you met them? Was there magic in the air ;) (picture please)?
“Magic in the air.”We lost our beloved Tiffs a month ago. It was unexpected - he was only eight - and our house suddenly felt like just a house, not a home.So a couple of days later we went to our local dog shelter, the wonderful Merseyside Dogs Trust. Just to look, you understand. We’re sensible like that.There were some lovely dogs there. A lot of Staffies and greyhounds, but also several huskies and a beautiful American Bulldog, as well as some endearing mixed-breeds. We like bigger dogs, and in the past have had three German Pointers (two of them rescues) and an unexpected Giant Schnauzer.We had no breed in mind, but would have expected an active working dog of some sort. A lot of dogs would have fitted the bill - but none really shouted “Pick ME” loud enough.As we were about to leave, we popped into reception to say goodbye. The volunteer told us that there was a saluki on his way back - the previous rescuers were returning him after two months because they could not cope. He’d be there in half an hour - would we want to wait just in case?Saluki? Surely too elegant for us. We’re pretty rough and ready people. But we waited.When he arrived, he was gorgeous. Very timid, untrained, skeletally thin - but gorgeous. We took him for a walk, played with him (rather unsuccessfully) in an enclosed yard - and put our name down as potential rescuers.After two interviews, questionnaires, a home-visit and a training lecture we got the go-ahead. Five days after first meeting him he was ours.That was four weeks ago. Every day he’s a different dog - learning simple commands, and gaining confidence.We count ourselves blessed.
Why does my dog hate feet?
Hi, i have an English Setter pure breed. When ever I walk towards him and stick my foot under his belly he immediately reacts and gets extremely pissed. To be honest its actually quite entertaining. He is a very sweet natured dog and not easily provoked. He's the 3rd English Setter I have had and every one of those dogs gets pissed when you touch them with your foot? I mean lets be honest I'de get pissed off if someone followed me around and stuck there foot in my face lol but why an animal?